WO2011044940A1

WO2011044940A1 - Centrifugal mixer, method and use for comminution

Info

Publication number: WO2011044940A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/063446
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Braun; Stefan Gerber
Original assignee: Bühler AG
Priority date: 2009-10-15
Filing date: 2009-10-15
Publication date: 2011-04-21
Also published as: EP2488290B1; ES2581392T3; EP2488290B2; ES2581392T5; EP2488290A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing a fat mass (m), to the use of a centrifugal mixer (1) to process a fat mass (m), to a production line for processing a fat mass (m), and to a centrifugal mixer (1). The components (k) of the fat mass (m) are comminuted and/or mixed in a preferably open centrifugal mixer (1).

Description

CENTRIFUGAL MIXER, METHOD AND USE FOR CRUSHING

The invention relates to a method for processing a fat mass, the use of a centrifugal for the machining ^¬ tung a fat mass, a production line for the machining ^¬ tung a fat mass as well as a centrifugal mixer.

For the purposes of the present application, fat masses are understood as meaning products with a fat content for food production. In these there are solid and / or liquid Pro ^¬-products, as well as solid and / or liquid products formed in Zentri ^¬ fugalmischer. It is preferably pasty or powdery masses.

The processing of fat compositions, especially in food production, is a process with several Bearbeitungsschrit ^¬ th. Most components of the fat mass are mixed together in a first step. A component in accordance with this message to ^¬ is to be understood as a substance or ingredient that is suspended or in the fatty substance either as a solid is also present in dissolved form or it is added. For example, a chocolate mass may consist of the components cocoa butter, sugar, milk powder and cocoa powder.

In the conventionally known production of chocolate mass, the components are first mixed in a stirred tank. In a further step, the fat mass is usually rolled by one or more rolling mills, wherein the sus ^¬ pendierten in bulk solids are further comminuted. For example, the mass can first be rough-rolled in a 2-roll mill before rolling in a 2-, 3- or 5-rolling mill. The fat mass is largely homogenized. After rolling, the fat mass can be subjected to further steps, such as wise conching, depending on the formulation of other components of the mass can be added.

Subsequently, the fat mass can be subjected to further refinement steps depending on the intended use.

In the production of simpler products, such as fillings or compounds, the components are previously mixed in a device for wet comminution and comminuted in the mill. In the case of wet comminution, methods are also known in which the mixing and comminution take place in the same process space.

The wet comminution can be done in a stirred ball mill or in a drum mill with blow bars or batons.

A disadvantage of the known method is that the mixing of the components can not be carried out continuously and thus the preparation of the fat mass can be done only in the batch process. This disadvantage also exists with the simpler products, since the mixing and grinding in the mill can not be carried out continuously or at most semicontinuously.

Another disadvantage is that, depending on the composition of the fat mass rolling mills must be readjusted, so that always a good quality of the final product is guaranteed. This adjustment is sometimes time consuming and requires an interruption of the production process. Depending on the Komplexi ^¬ ty of the rolling mill also considerable experience of Opera ^¬ teurs is also necessary. An object of the present invention is to provide a method, a use and a production line of the type mentioned, which overcomes the disadvantages of Be ^¬ known and in particular allows a continuous Bear ^¬ processing a fat mass. This object is according to Inventions ge ^¬ solve by a method with the features of claim 1.

The invention makes use of the fact that by using a centrifugal mixer a continuous processing of a fat mass can be achieved.

Centrifugal mixers are known per se. For example, be ^¬ writes, WO 2007/066362 such a mixer. In this case, the substance to be processed is guided in a preferably substantially horizontally arranged drum. In the drum is a rotating shaft, which is at least partially provided with pins. To generate a feed, the pins can be arranged spirally. The high speed of the pins, the registered material is thrown by the action of Zentrifu ^¬ galkraft against the inner walls of the drum. The one ^¬ accommodated substance is constantly mixed by the pins by ^¬.

The density of the pins can vary along the shaft. In spi ^¬ ralförmig arranged pins, the pitch of the helix may change, in the extreme case so far that a recovery is made ^¬ light. The pins may be similar, for example, a round cross-sectional area of the same diameter aufwei ^¬ sen. Alternatively, different types of pins can be arranged on the shaft, for example with different cross-sectional areas (polygonal, elliptical, round) or with different diameters. Preferably, the pins are cylindrical derförmig, but they can also be club-shaped or scoop-like.

Particularly advantageous is the use of an open Zentrifu ^¬ galmischers. This offers a free discharge of the masses, so ^¬ that there is no backwater of the mass.

For this purpose, the end of the drum is preferably open and not or only slightly tapered. The expulsion of the mass can also be done by a discharge device, such as a screw conveyor. In a mixer shaft mounted on two sides, the free discharge can be ensured, for example, by means of a concentric opening.

Because the fat mass is not jammed back, a thin layer of mass is formed by the centrifugal force on the inner wall of the centrifugal mixer. By rotating the pins, an energy input takes place in the mass, the re ^¬ tively takes place thanks to the thin layer uniformly over the whole volume of the processed mass.

Advantageously, the mass in the centrifugal mixer is maintained at a preselectable temperature. For this purpose, the centrifugal mixer, for example by means of a double wall construction tempe ^¬ ration, ie cooled or heated.

Surprisingly, it has also been found that solid components in the fat mass are comminuted in a centrifugal mixer. This can be done simultaneously with the mixing of the components, a crushing of suspended in the mass components.

For the purposes of the application, fat mass is understood to mean a mass which consists of more than 10% by weight of fats and oils. Prefers the fat content of the mass is more than 25 wt .-%, more preferably more than 30 wt .-%.

In principle, all substances, substances or ingredients are suitable components. Preferably, the inventive method for processing fat mass in the food industry is used.

Preferred components are therefore vegetable or animal fats such as butter, cocoa butter, lard and the like, but also oils such as palm oil, coconut fat, sunflower oil and the like and mixtures thereof.

Other components of the preferred processed by the inventive method are, for example masses of fat Kakaopul ^¬ ver, cocoa mass, sugar, sugar substitutes, vanilla powder, Pu ^¬ derzucker, milk powder, starch, walnut or almond powder and the like. Further preferred components are example ^¬ as honey, glucose syrup, maple syrup, caramel syrup but also solid components such as nuts, almonds or raisins and the like, and mixtures thereof.

The mass is always pushed further during processing in the processing direction and not stowed back because of the free outlet of the centrifugal mixer. At the same time, the mass is under the influence of centrifugal force. So the entire mass be ^¬ is found in a distance from the shaft.

Depending on the flow rate of the mass forms a thin layer on the wall, therefore, the entire mass is processed at substantially the same speed ^¬ the pins. There is a uniform energy input in a narrow energy range over the entire volume of the processed mass.

The rotational speed of the shaft is preferably below 6000 revolutions per minute (rpm), more preferably between 500 rpm and 5000 rpm, very particularly preferably between 1000 rpm and 4000 rpm.

Typical centrifugal mixers used have an inside diameter of the drum of 50-500 mm. The pen speed in the border area, which is exposed to the mass thus lie Zvi ^¬ rule about 5 km / h, about 600 km / h.

Preferably, the diameter of the suspended particles of the components can be reduced. Particularly preferred is the

Diameter of the Bestanteile thereby essentially reduced to a value below 200μιη, most preferably substantially below 150μη. For the treatment of fat mass with at ^¬ game 70-80% sugar content, this means that during screening the mass of the residue, remaining on a sieve having 200μη mesh diameter, respectively 150μη mesh diameter, before the treatment in the centrifugal mixer, for example, even over 99% and after treatment accounts for less than 90% of the total weight of the fat mass. In other words, is the weight fraction of the mass ^¬ whose constituents have a diameter of small i ^¬ ner as 200μιη, respectively 150μιη, prior to treatment in the centrifugal mixer is less than 1%, and after treatment more than 10% of the total mass. The diameter of the components is thus reduced.

By a suitable choice of the rotational speed of the shaft of the centrifugal mixer, at least one parameter which is characteristic for the consistency of the fat mass, such as viscosity, moisture content, is determined. ACTION, homogeneity and / or grain, adjusted to vorbestimm ^¬ th value, respectively confined to a range of values.

This makes it possible einzu to values ^¬ set the parameters of the mass, which are optimal for the next processing step. If, for example, the mass is transferred to a rolling mill after the centrifugal mixer, it may be possible to dispense with adjusting the rolls by adjusting the consistency of the mass.

Fat mass is preferred, after mixing and / or Zerklei ^¬ partners of the components rolled in the centrifugal mixer to the average diameter of the suspended particles in the fat mass to further reduce. This is preferably done in a 2-, 3- or 5-rolling mill.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the components of the fat mass may be premixed prior to mixing and / or comminution in the centrifugal mixer.

In a further embodiment, the components of the fat mass can be pre-comminuted in the centrifugal mixer before mixing and / or comminution, for example in a rolling mill. The respective components can be pre-shredded separately, for example, and then combined together.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the components of the fat mass are both premixed and pre-comminuted prior to mixing and / or comminution in the centrifugal mixer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the components of the fat mass can be further comminuted and / or mixed in at least one further centrifugal mixer. In further steps, the fat mass can be further processed, for example by conching.

The centrifugal mixer and / or the other production steps can be run once or more times in each case in a production cycle of the fat mass.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the components of the fat mass can be processed in a further step in a device for wet comminution, in particular a stirred ball mill.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the diameters of particulate fat mass ingredients are reduced in the centrifugal mixer treatment. In lumpy components are components of the fat mass, such as nuts, almonds, waffles, biscuits, crackers, chocolates, etc., or pieces thereof, which have on average by ^¬ diameter of about 1mm, especially about 5mm when added to the fat mass.

The diameters of the lumpy components are reduced during the treatment in the centrifugal mixer. This means that the focus of the size distribution of the diameter after treatment is a smaller diameter than before the treatment. Was the typical particle size of the particulate Bestandtei ^¬ le prior to treatment in the centrifugal mixer, for example, greater than 5mm, then is subsequently smaller than 5mm, it was, for example, before the treatment in the centrifugal mixer is greater than 1 mm, so it is less than 1mm after the treatment.

The reduction of the diameter can be determined by means of a sieve. So the proportion of lumpy ingredients, the size remaining in a sieve of a certain mesh size, for example mesh size 5 mm or 1 mm, prior to treatment in the centrifugal mixer is greater than that after treatment in the centrifugal mixer.

A further solution of the present task is to prevent the disadvantages of the known processing methods of fat masses by the use of a centrifugal mixer according to the Merk ^¬ paint of claim 11.

A significant advantage of using a centrifugal mixer is that the mixing of the components can be continuous. In addition, the average diameter of suspended particles in the fat mass can be reduced. A further advantage also consists in that the parameters which are charakteris ^¬ table for the consistency of the fat mass, such as viscosity, humidity, homogeneity and / or grain, can be set in the centrifugal mixer to predetermined values by a suitable choice of the speed of the shaft ,

Depending on the required throughput, it is also possible to use several centrifugal mixers in succession or in parallel. This continuous processing of fat mass, even at wholesale ^¬ sen throughput volumes is possible.

Particularly preferred is a centrifugal mixer can be used in the machining ^¬ tung a cocoa or chocolate mass.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a centrifugal mixer may be used to process a spreadable mass. Common spread compositions are, for example, nougat masses ^¬ or nut, peanut butter and the like. In another embodiment, a centrifugal mixer may be used to process fat masses containing chunky ingredients such as nuts, almonds, wafers, biscuits, brittle, pralines, etc., or pieces thereof.

The diameters of the lumpy components are reduced during the treatment in the centrifugal mixer.

Particularly preferably, the use of a Zentrifugalmi ^¬ shear for liquefying a fat mass. Several centrifugal mixers can also be used one behind the other. It can also be provided to use several centrifugal mixers of different sizes and / or with different shaft speeds in succession.

Another object of the present invention is also to provide a production line for the processing of fatty masses be ^¬ riding, which allows efficient and continuous Bear ^¬ processing. This object is achieved with a production line having the features of claim 14.

The processing of the fat mass is carried out in one direction, the processing direction. At the beginning, the components are present individually and are first mixed in the machine direction and the solid components are comminuted and / or suspended.

The production line includes as a minimum a Zentrifu ^¬ galmischer. In particular, the production line comprises one, two, three or more centrifugal mixers. The centrifugal mixer can be arranged both in succession as well as side by side in the machining direction. Furthermore, the production line may comprise at least one rolling mill, which is arranged downstream of the centrifugal mixer in the machine direction. This at least one rolling mill is preferably a 2-, 3- or 5-rolling mill. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, several, in particular two 2-, 3- or 5-rolling mills are arranged in the machine direction after the centrifugal mixer. The mills can be so ^¬ well behind the other (in series) as well as side by side, ie parallel arranged. By a serial arrangement, the fat mass can be further refined over several rolling mills, while in the parallel arrangement of the mass flow rate of the production line can be increased.

The at least one centrifugal mixer preferably replaces the stirred tank, the mill and / or the roughing mill of a conventional production line.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that at least one rolling mill is arranged in the machining direction in front of the centrifugal mixer. Preferably, this at least one rolling mill is a 2-rolling mill.

The at least one centrifugal mixer preferably serves to set the parameters which determine the consistency of the fat mass. As a result, either the properties of the end product can be optimally adjusted or a rolling mill arranged downstream of the centrifugal mixer can always be operated without changing the roll settings, despite different ingredients.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one stirring and / or mixing plant is arranged in the machine direction in front of the centrifugal mixer. A further embodiment of the invention provides that in the processing direction in front of the centrifugal mixer at least one rolling mill and a device for conching or Teilconchieren are arranged. Depending on the composition of the fat mass, conching can lead to undesirable agglomeration, which is at least partially resolved in the centrifugal mixer. The mass can then be fed back to a rolling mill and / or a conching.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one apparatus for wet comminution, for example a stirred ball mill or a percussion or friction mill, is arranged in the section.

A further embodiment of the invention provides for arranging the centrifugal mixer in the production line in such a way that the centrifugal mixer is passed at least twice from the fat mass or parts thereof. The mass can be performed in at least one cycle through the production line.

The components of the fat mass can first be stirred and / or comminuted, for example in a centrifugal mixer, then either rolled, conched and / or treated in a pre- ^¬ direction for wet comminution and then repeat all or part of the production steps. In a renewed passage of the centrifugal mixer, the components can be stirred again and / or comminuted and / or refined. For this purpose they can be acted upon in the centrifugal mixer with a different to the ambient atmosphere Wirkatmo ^¬ sphere. This preferably has a different environment for the other ^¬ atmospheric pressure and / or different temperature and / or different composition, so that the fatty matter ingredients are added and / or withdrawn.

The object underlying the invention is further ^¬ ge solves by a centrifugal mixer, in particular for use in a method as described above, or in a production line as described above, with the features of claim twentieth

The centrifugal ^mixer preferably comprises a drum arranged substantially horizontally and a shaft arranged coaxially in the drum, wherein the centrifugal mixer permits free discharge and the shaft is mounted on two sides.

The drum of the centrifugal mixer can be tilted or vertically aligned in the normal design to the horizontal. Preferably, the drum is oriented so that the off ^¬ outlet opening is arranged below the inlet opening, so that the expulsion of the mass is favors by gravity.

The shaft is, as stated above, preferably provided at least on a portion with pins, which are preferably arranged spirally along the shaft.

A support for the first bearing of the shaft is usually located on the side of the drum, on which the inlet is arranged. The bearing for the second bearing is provided at the other end of the shaft. The holder for the second bearing may be connected to the drum, for example via holding ^¬ webs. Alternatively, the holder can also be attached to a base plate, so that the two bearings are decoupled. A free discharge of the mass can be ensured by a concentric or quasi-centric outlet opening. The opening may point in the direction of the shaft axis, as in the case of an open-ended drum. The discharge may also radially, ie perpendicular done ^¬ quite to the shaft axis.

The object underlying the invention is further ^¬ ge solves by a centrifugal mixer, in particular for use in a method as described above, or in a production line as described above, with the features of claim 21st

The centrifugal mixer has a preferably substantially horizontally arranged drum and a shaft, wherein the In ^¬ nenwandung the drum is structured, in particular such that thereby the adhesion of a mass to be conveyed is influenced on the inner wall, in particular increased compared to a smooth wall becomes.

For the targeted processing of fat masses, it is important that the mass remains not too short and not too long in the mixer, but is exposed to the pins a defined time. For this purpose, the mass should be driven evenly through the mixer. On the one hand, it is to be avoided that the mass or parts thereof adhere to the wall, on the other hand, that the mass or parts thereof slip through the drum unworked.

The wall adhesion can be influenced by structures on the inner wall of the drum. For this purpose, the inner wall can be roughened and / or corrugated and / or toothed and / or provided with pins. Advantageously, the centrifugal mixer, for example by ^{¬ means of} a double wall construction, tempered. It can thus be cooled or heated so that the wall of the drum and / or the mass in the centrifugal mixer can be maintained at a preselectable temperature.

Further advantages and individual features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1: Schematic representation of the inventive method for processing a fat mass with a centrifugal mixer

Fig. 2: Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with centrifugal mixer and roller

3 shows a further embodiment of the invention with several rollers

Fig. 4: Representation of the inventive method with several centrifugal mixers

Fig.5: Schematic representation of a first embodiment of a centrifugal mixer with bilaterally mounted shaft

Fig.6: Schematic representation of a second embodiment of a centrifugal mixer with two-sided shaft mounted 1 shows in a schematic and simplified illustration of the inventive processing of fat compositions comprising at least egg ^¬ nem centrifugal mixer 1. The machine direction corresponds to the machine direction 11. In this case, the fat mass m or the individual components to be mixed k fat mass initially Ü over the inlet 3 in the centrifugal mixer 1 is given. The centrifugal mixer 1 comprises a drum 13 in which a dre ^¬ starting mounted shaft 2 is located. The shaft 2 is connected via pivot bearing 8 with the centrifugal mixer. The shaft 2 has a plurality of pins 7 arranged thereon. Preferably, the pins 7 are arranged spirally to provide for a feed of the mass. However, centrifugal mixers without a helical arrangement can also be used. The diameter d of the shaft, the length L and the arrangement of the pins 7 and the inner diameter D of the centrifugal mixer can vary depending on throughput and application. Also vary the distance between pen tips and inner wall of the centrifugal mixer.

Due to the high rotational speed of the shaft, the mass undergoes a Zentri ^¬ fugalkraft and is pressed against the inner wall of the mixer.

Due to the continuous movement of the pins 7 is an op ^¬ timale mixing of the mass takes place. Depending on the speed also a reduction of the average diameter of suspended particles is possible.

The fat mass m is pushed through nachschiebende mass or Vor ^¬ thrust through the outlet 4. Preferably, the centrifugal mixer 1 does not have a taper at the outlet 4. As a result, the fat mass is not dammed in front of the outlet 4. The

Layer thickness of the processed fat mass m thus remains constant over the entire length of the centrifugal mixer 1. As a result, the mass is essentially only over the length of the mixer processed by the tips of the pins 7. Since the rotational speed and thus the kinetic energy of the pins 7 increase from the wave to the tip, is characterized by the constant

Layer thickness of the mass m made sure that the mass m is ^¬ lichst processed at a uniform speed and with uniform energy input. This leads to increased Ho ^¬ homogeneity of mass m.

Preferably, the inner diameter D of the drum 13 is 50-500mm. In an inner diameter D of 50 mm, the diameter d of the shaft 2 is preferably 20 mm and the length L of the Zentri ^¬ fugalmischers 1 200 mm with an inner diameter D of 100 mm, the diameter d of the shaft 2 is preferably 40 mm and the length L the centrifugal 1200-400 mm, with an inside diameter ^¬ D of 400 mm, the diameter d of the shaft 2 is preferably 100 mm, and the length L of the centrifugal 1 200- 1000 mm.

The mass can then be processed further in further processing steps, which take place in the processing direction 11 after the centrifugal mixer 1. In the production of simple fat mass products, such compounds or fillings that Bear ^¬ ^¬ processing may be closed as early as after the passage of the centrifugal.

Figure 2 shows schematically a further embodiment of the present invention. The fat mass m passes through a valve disposed in Be ^¬ processing device 11 after the centrifugal mixer 1 rolling mill 5. The rolling mill 5 may have any number of rolls, however, be 2-, 3- or 5-roll mills are preferred. In the production of chocolate, the use of at least one centrifugal mixer may allow the use of a 3 instead of a 5-roll mill, without sacrificing the quality of the final Product. By a suitable choice of the rotational speed of the shaft 2, the parameters which make up the consistency of the fat mass m can be set to a predetermined value, which is optimal for the subsequent rolling operation in rolling mill 5. As a result, adjustments of the rolling mill 5 can be avoided. In addition, by simply changing the speed of the shaft 2, the properties of the final product can be changed.

Last but not least, with the choice of the speed, the throughput of the mass can also be controlled.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention. Here, the fat mass or the individual components m k is first rolled by a rough rolling mill 6, which is arranged in machining ^¬ processing device 11 before the centrifugal mixer. In this case, the average diameter of suspended particles in the mass and the particle diameter of solid components is already reduced before the centrifugal mixer 1. After pre-rolling, the components are mixed and / or comminuted in a centrifugal mixer. The fat mass m can subsequently be passed through another rolling mill 5 arranged downstream of the centrifugal mixer 1 in the processing direction. Alternatively, the fat mass m or the individual components k can be processed only by the steps of rolling in roughing roll 6 and mixing and / or grinding in centrifugal mixer 1, without the mass m being rolled in rolling mill 5 thereafter.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates another preferred execution ^¬ of the invention. In this embodiment, fat mass m or the individual components are mixed in the centrifugal mixer k first 1 and / or comminuted. The components of the fat mass m are then immediately further mixed and / or comminuted in a second centrifugal mixer 21. The centrifugal Mixers can be arranged directly behind one another or alternatively the fat mass can be conveyed or pumped from the first to the second centrifugal mixer. Another embodiment, not shown, provides that further centrifugal mixers are arranged behind the second centrifugal mixer. It is understood that the individual centrifugal mixers may have different sizes and pin arrangements. In addition, depending on the application, the speeds of the shafts 2, 22 may be different. For example, can be continuously verflüssi ^¬ gen a fat mass by such an arrangement.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a centrifugal mixer 31 with two-sided supported shaft 32. A first bearing 38 is located near the A ^¬ passage 33, a second bearing 39 in the vicinity of the outlet. Ins ^¬ especially with larger drum volumes and / or drum lengths, the shaft 32 is stored stable in two-sided storage.

The bearing holder for the second bearing 39 is not directly connected to the drum 13, but preferably attached to a bottom plate 14. As a result, the two pivot bearings 38, 39 are decoupled from each other.

The free discharge is ensured by a concentric outlet 34.

The shaft 32 may be extended beyond the length L of the drum 13. Are preferably in the protruding portion of the shaft 32 or pins 37 are disposed corresponding to the concentric discharge ^¬ be favorable. The pins 37 may be longer in this area than the pins 7. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a centrifugal mixer 41 with two-sided supported shaft 42. A first bearing 48 is located near the A ^¬ passage 43, a second bearing 49 in the vicinity of the outlet 44th

In this example, the bearing holder for the second bearing 49 is directly connected to the drum 13. The attachment is made via connecting webs 17 between which sufficiently large From ^¬ exit window remain free, so that a quasi concentric ^¬ from outlet opening 44 and present a free backwater exit of the mass m.

The inner wall can be structured for improved wall adhesion.

Claims

claims

1. A method for processing a fat mass (m), characterized in that the components (k) of the fat mass (m) in a, preferably open, centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) comminuted and / or mixed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

Diameter of the components (k) of the fat mass (m) by the centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) are substantially reduced to less than 200μιη, in particular to less than 150μιη.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotational speed of the shaft (2; 22; 32; 42) of the centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) is in the range of 500 to 6000 rpm, preferably in Range from 1000 to 4000 rpm.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the entire mass (m) present in the centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) is processed at substantially a speed, in particular the speed which is on the shaft the centrifugal ^{mixer angeordne ¬} th pins (7, 37) have at their top, which is preferably between 5 to 600 km / h.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least a parameter for the consistency of the fat mass (m) is characteristic, such as viscosity or moisture, by suitably selecting the rotational ^¬ speed of the shaft (2; 22 ; 32; 42) in the centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) is set to a predetermined value.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in a further step, the fat mass (m) is rolled, in particular in a 2-, 3- or 5-rolling mill (5).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components (k) of the fat mass (m) before the mixing in the centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) are precomminuted in a roughing mill (6).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the components (k) of the fat mass (m) in at least one further centrifugal mixer (21) further comminuted and / or mixed.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in a further step, the components (k) of the fat mass (m) in a device for wet comminution, in particular a stirred mill, are processed.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the diameter of lumpy components of the fat mass (m) in the processing of the mass in Zentrifugal ^¬ mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) to less than 5 mm, in particular to below 1 mm can be reduced.

11. Use of at least one centrifugal mixer (1, 21, 31;

41) for processing a fat mass (m) wherein the components (k) of the fat mass are mixed and / or comminuted.

12. Use of at least one centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31;

41) according to claim 11, wherein the fat mass (m) is a cocoa or chocolate mass, shall state in particular lumpy inventory ^¬ is.

13. Use of at least one centrifugal mixer (1, 21, 31;

41) according to claim 11 for processing a fat mass (m) before introduction into a rolling mill (5), preferably a 2-, 3- or 5-rolling mill.

14. Production line for processing a fat mass (m), characterized in that the distance comprises at least one centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41).

15. Production line according to claim 14, characterized in that in the processing direction (11) after the centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) at least one rolling mill (5), preferably ^¬ at least one 2-, 3- or 5-rolling mill, is arranged.

16. Production line according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that in the processing direction (11) in front of the centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) at least one rolling mill (6), preferably at least one 2-Walzerk is arranged.

17, the production line according to one of claims 14 to 16, since ^¬ characterized by that in the machining direction (11) upstream of the centrifugal mixer (1; 21; 31; 41) is disposed at least one agitating and / or mixing plant.

18. Production line according to one of claims 14 to 17, since ^¬ characterized in that in the track at least one device for wet crushing, for example, a stirred ball mill, is arranged.

19, the production line according to any one of claims 14 to 18, since ^¬ characterized by that the centrifugal mixer (1; 41 21; 31;) is such arranged in the track that the centering ^¬ rifugalmischer (1; 21; 31; 41) at least is passed twice from the fat mass (m) or at least parts of it.

20. Centrifugal mixer, in particular for use in a

Process according to claims 1-10 and / or in a production line according to claims 14-19, with a preferably substantially horizontal drum (13) and a shaft (2; 22; 32; 42), characterized in that the centrifugal mixer (1 ; 21; 31; 41) allows free discharge and that the shaft (2; 22; 32; 42) is supported bilaterally.

21. Centrifugal mixer, in particular for use in a

A process according to claims 1-10 and / or in a production line according to claims 14-19 and / or according to claim 20, with a preferably substantially horizontal angeord ^¬ Neten drum (13) and a shaft (2; 42 22;; 32) characterized in that the inner wall of the drum (13) is structured, in particular such that characterized the Haf ^¬ tung a mass to be conveyed to the inner wall is promoted.

22. Centrifugal mixer according to claim 21, characterized in that the inner wall is roughened and / or corrugated and / or toothed and / or provided with pins.

23. Centrifugal mixer according to any one of claims 20-22, characterized in that the centrifugal mixer is temperature-controlled, in particular has a double wall construction.